Fight the Flu this Season!

10/19/17

Contributed by Katie Sack

Thank you to everyone who received a vaccination at this year's POD. More than 750 students, faculty, and staff attended for a free flu shot.  

While seasonal influenza (flu) viruses can be detected year-round, flu viruses are most common during the fall and winter. The exact timing and duration of flu seasons can vary, but influenza activity often begins to increase in October. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although activity can last as late as May.

In order to avoid further spread of influenza and to protect those who may be more vulnerable to the illness, the CDC recommends the following measures:

  1. The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year. The vaccine takes two weeks to be fully effective but it is not too late to be vaccinated as the flu virus typically continues to circulate throughout the winter months.  
    - Students can receive a flu shot at the Hammond Health Center
    - Faculty and Staff on the IC medical plan, can visit one of these providers for a free flu shot
     
  2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
     
  3. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.
     
  4. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
     
  5. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
     
  6. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
     
  7. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Please help us keep the campus a healthy place for our students and employees by implementing healthy habits that decrease the spread of germs. Supervisors, please post this notice or this poster within your areas. More information about influenza can be found on the CDC’s website by clicking here. 

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